Jn 11:45-56
To die for the nation: John portrays two opposite responses to Jesus all throughout his ministry. One is faith, the other is hostile unbelief. The raising of Lazarus (Jn 11:38-44) is a sign that brings about faith, on the one hand, and condemnation, on the other. The Jewish leadership finally finds a reason to justify the death of Jesus. They decide to eliminate him in order to save the land and the nation. It is a decision made out of fear of the Romans. Their understanding of salvation is too narrow, however. They think only of freedom from the threat of destruction. Contrary to what these Jewish leaders think, they are not the ones saving the land and the nation.
The high priest’s word becomes a prophetic announcement of the significance of Jesus’ death. Salvation comes through his life-giving death. This salvation has a broader and deeper meaning than what the Jews expect. It encompasses even death and all forms of negative forces in this world. This salvation guarantees continued existence in God because it is eternal life that begins here and now through faith in Jesus’ redeeming life, death, and resurrection.